At the club level, a team typically consists of four curlers (each curler throws two stones), occasionally with a fifth who may serve as a substitute or fill-in.
- Lead: The curler that goes first is called the “lead”, and usually has easier shots because there are fewer stones in play.
- Second: The second curler is called the “second”, and has more difficult shots since some stones are in play.
- Vice Skip: The third curler is called the “third” or sometimes “vice skip”, and has difficult shots as a lot of stones are usually in play.
- Skip: The curler who shoots last is called the “skip” and has the most difficult shots since all other stones have been played. The skip has the responsibility for calling the game and determining strategy, much like a baseball manager, all the while playing—unlike a baseball manger, and is usually considered the team captain.
Leads, seconds and thirds are all responsible for alternately delivering rocks and sweeping (as needed) the rocks of their teammates. The skip stands at the opposite end of the sheet from the delivery hack and determines the “turn” or “curl” to throw, the “weight” or strength of the throw, the direction and when to sweep (or quit sweeping) based on the situation at hand in the game. When it is the skip’s turn to throw, the third (vice skip) assumes the role of the skip, while the lead and second continue as sweepers.
